Bridges and Other Engineering Works in New York’s Capital Region
HUDSON RIVER CROSSINGS
(Major Bridges Connecting Albany & Rensselaer Counties)
Dunn Memorial Bridge
Location: Albany / Rensselaer, NY
Description: The Dunn Memorial Bridge carries NY Route 9 and 20 across the Hudson River between Albany and Rensselaer. First opened in 1933, the bridge is a major commuter route and an important piece of Albany’s river-crossing infrastructure. It is also one of the only pedistrian enabled bridges from Albany to Rensselaer and the Albany-Rensselaer Train Station.
Patroon Island Bridge (Interstate 90)
Location: Albany / Rensselaer, NY
Description: The Patroon Island Bridge carries Interstate 90 over the Hudson River as part of the New York State Thruway system. Opened in 1968, it is one of the most heavily traveled highway crossings in the Capital Region and a critical link for regional and interstate traffic.
Troy–Menands Bridge
Location: South Troy / Menands, NY
Description: This structure connects South Troy to Menands across the Hudson River. It serves as a key link between Rensselaer and Albany counties and supports significant daily commuter and college bound traffic. The bridge also offesr a foot/bike path on its north side connecting to the Albany-Watervliet bike trail. There is talk of replacing this bridge in the near future.
Collar City Bridge
Location: Troy / Colonie, NY
Description: This structure connects Interstate 787 and Alternate Route 7 to Troy's Hoosick Road (Route 7), crossing the Hudson River, and is a primary route for travelers to Vermont and points East and North. It serves as a key link between Rensselaer and Albany counties and supports significant daily commuter traffic. Hoosick Road can be quite a bottle neck for traffic as there are many stores and traffic lights and remains heavily congested as you head East into Brunswick as there are many big box stores and fast food restaurants along that stretch of Route 7.
Green Island Bridge
Location: Troy / Green Island, NY
Description: The Green Island Bridge spans the Hudson River between Troy and the Village of Green Island. Originally opened in the late 19th century, the current bridge offers scenic views of the river and surrounding historic industrial areas.
RAILROAD BRIDGES & FREIGHT INFRASTRUCTURE
Van Rensselaer Railroad Bridge
Location: Albany / Rensselaer, NY
Description: This historic railroad bridge carries freight rail traffic across the Hudson River and reflects the Capital Region’s long-standing role as a transportation and industrial hub.
Albany County Railroad Bridge (CSX Rail Bridge)
Location: Selkirk / Ravena area, NY
Description: A major freight rail crossing of the Hudson River, this bridge supports national rail traffic along the East Coast and remains a critical piece of regional logistics infrastructure.
DAMS, LOCKS, AND WATER CONTROL STRUCTURES
Federal Dam (Troy Lock and Dam)
Location: Troy, NY
Description: Often called the Federal Dam, this structure marks the northern limit of tidal influence on the Hudson River. Completed in 1915, it includes a lock system that supports navigation and river-level control.
Green Island Hydroelectric Dam
Location: Green Island, NY
Description: The Green Island Dam is a hydroelectric facility on the Hudson River that continues the region’s long tradition of river-based power generation.
Cohoes Dam
Location: Cohoes, NY (Mohawk River)
Description: Cohoes Dam spans the Mohawk River just upstream of Cohoes Falls. It plays an important role in water regulation, power generation, and the region’s industrial history.
ENGINEERED TRANSPORTATION CORRIDORS
Mohawk River Lock System (Erie Canal)
Location: Schenectady County and surrounding areas
Description: The modern Erie Canal system along the Mohawk River includes a series of locks, dams, and engineered channels that transformed the region into a major transportation corridor and remain in use today.